An LGBTQ-friendly Italian archbishop has been promoted to cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, and right-wing Catholics are losing it. Pope Francis announced Sunday that Archbishop Matteo Zuppi of Bologna and 12 other clerics were being elevated to cardinal, a rank that gives them great influence in the church and, for those under age 80, Read more
World
Pope honoured to be attacked by Americans
Thursday, September 5th, 2019
Pope Francis says it is an honour to be attacked about issues ranging from theology to climate change and for US Church conservatives and their Catholic media allies to ask for his resignation. Commenting on a new book (“How America Wants to Change the Pope”) that he’s heard of but has not yet read, Francis Read more
Religions demonised by new laws
Thursday, September 5th, 2019
Many religions, including Christianity, are being targeted and demonised through new laws regarding issues like euthanasia, abortion and attempts to force priests to break the seal of the confessional. New South Wales Liberal MP Julian Lesser spoke out at a St Thomas More Society meeting saying, while preparing for the upcoming religious discrimination debate in Read more
Widening budget deficit at the Holy See
Thursday, September 5th, 2019
Pope Francis has ordered Vatican officials to close a widening budget deficit at the Holy See. They have to stop poorly managed spending and investments from undermining the operations of the Catholic Church’s global headquarters. The forthcoming financial statements will be the Vatican’s first to completely follow international public sector accounting standards. The Holy See’s Read more
Catholic school programme talent-spots gifted children
Thursday, September 5th, 2019
Gifted children are being identified and accelerated in a talent-spotting programme developed by Sydney Catholic Schools. It is called the Newman programme. Teachers learn how to spot and extend students as young as four who are showing exceptional ability in areas ranging from maths to creative arts. The programme is one of the first in Read more
Bishops take aim at Facebook, Google and Twitter
Thursday, September 5th, 2019
Australia’s Catholic bishops say tech giants like Facebook, Google and Twitter put profits before people. In their view, the companies should be fined for spreading fake news and offensive content. The conference points out that social media platforms’ core business is to sell advertising and maximise profits. The bishops want greater regulation of digital platforms Read more
Outrage over ‘vulgar’ painting of Virgin Mary
Thursday, September 5th, 2019A “vulgar and confronting” painting depicting the Virgin Mary holding a male appendage is on public display at a Queensland university, sparking outrage from religious leaders. Sky News host Peter Gleeson described the artwork as “disgusting”, saying “this is not art, it’s a middle finger to the Catholic Church”. “Imagine if this was the prophet Read more
Catholic school claims Harry Potter spells are real
Thursday, September 5th, 2019A Catholic school in Nashville is receiving a lot of “undesired attention” over a decision to remove the Harry Potter book series from its shelves. On August 28, Rev. Dan Reehil, the pastor of St. Edward Catholic School, sent an e-mail to school staff explaining his reasoning for removing the books from the school’s library. Read more
Euthanasia is not an expression of personal freedom, pope says
Thursday, September 5th, 2019Medical advancements do not help if they treat people as objects or when they are applied only to those people who are not considered a burden and “deserve” to be helped, Pope Francis said. In addition, euthanasia, which is legal in a number of places, “only seemingly promises to promote personal freedom; in reality it Read more
Pope names 13 new cardinals
Monday, September 2nd, 2019
Pope Francis has named 13 new cardinals, including 10 who will be eligible to vote in a future conclave. The cardinals-elect will be installed at next month’s consistory. Many of those the pope named have reputations as progressives on social issues such as immigration and share his support of dialogue with non-Christians. Several come from Read more